Insurance Blog

Here's What Road Salt Does to Your Car

When the season changes to spring, our cars often wear the scars of the winter they’ve just endured. And not just from the harsh weather.

Road salt helps melt ice, which definitely makes the roads safer. However, there are some definite downsides when it comes to your car. Read on to learn exactly how road salt works—and what road salt does to your car.

How Does Road Salt Work?

Salt—or in scientific terms, sodium chloride —lowers the freezing point of water. So, while water normally freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water needs colder temperatures in order to freeze when it’s exposed to salt. The more salt you add, the more difficult it is for water to freeze.

The thing about road salt is it needs a little water to activate the process. Sometimes, road crews will pre-treat roads with a mix of salt and water called “brine.” Salt brine can keep ice from ever forming. If there’s a lot of snow and ice on a road, the brine will seep into the bottom layers, breaking the bond between the ice and the road. The remaining snow and ice will then float along the top of the brine, making it easy for any passing traffic to break it up for good.

In case you were wondering: Yes, it’s possible for the temperatures to be too low for road salt to work! Generally speaking, if the road temperature is colder than 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the salt won’t be able to penetrate the solid ice to start dissolving. When that happens, road crews might spread sand on top of the ice for better traction.

What Road Salt Does to Your Car?

While road salt is doing good things for road safety, it’s doing something very different when it contacts with your car.

Salt creates chemical reactions that can corrode your car. This is especially true for any exposed metal.

Two car parts that are especially susceptible to corrosion and rust are the brake and fuel lines. That’s because they’re close to the undercarriage of the car, which takes the brunt of the road salt damage.

How to Treat Your Car Exposed to Road Salt

So what’s a driver to do? When spring arrives, give your car a good wash, remembering to take care of the car’s undercarriage and tires. Consider a thorough exterior detailing job as well. Read more about how to help your car recover from winter.

And since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it’s best to take measures in the fall.

Give your car a good wash and wax. For the best protection, consider applying a wax sealant over your wax. Modern ceramic coatings work best but, are also the most expensive. You can also apply an undercoating that can prevent corrosion on the car’s bottom.
Have any scrapes, chips or rust spots repaired before the first snow falls.
Keep your distance when driving behind trucks spreading salt or brine.
Get regular car washes. Spray your car down at least once a week if you live in a snowy area. Invest in a wash that cleans the undercarriage of the car at least every few weeks or after a heavy bout of snow and/or ice hits your area. Consider a fluid film coating prior to winter for extra protection.
Give an older car some extra TLC. Cars are especially susceptible to corrosion after being exposed to road salt for eight years or more, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

One way you can protect your car in any season is with the right auto insurance. Talk to an insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent to learn more about getting the right coverage at the right price.

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of October 2024 and may be changed at any time.

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.

Posted on 8 March 2025 | 9:00 pm

How Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Transforming—and Challenging—Businesses

The business world is becoming increasingly dependent on lithium-ion batteries. These compact, rechargeable power sources have become an essential part of daily operations in industries ranging from construction and retail to restaurants and logistics. Their widespread adoption is largely due to their high energy density, efficiency and reliability.

However, as businesses integrate more battery-powered tools and devices into their workflows, they should also consider the risks and take steps to mitigate potential hazards.

While most people associate lithium-ion batteries with smartphones and laptops, their use extends far beyond personal electronics. They are the unseen force powering a growing number of commercial operations. In retail environments, handheld inventory scanners, digital signage and payment can systems rely on battery power to function efficiently.

Restaurants are incorporating lithium-ion-powered kitchen equipment, such as wireless food thermometers, temperature monitoring devices and even automated delivery robots.

The construction industry has embraced battery-powered tools and heavy equipment, including electric forklifts and site lighting, which reduce emissions and enhance job site efficiency.

Auto body shops rely on lithium-ion battery-powered tools like impact wrenches, cordless sanders and polishers for efficient, untethered repairs.

Beyond these more obvious applications, lithium-ion batteries are embedded in many everyday workplace essentials. They power wireless security systems, medical devices like portable defibrillators and emergency backup power supplies that keep businesses operational during outages. Many businesses unknowingly depend on lithium-ion batteries for critical functions, making it essential to assess both their benefits and the risks they introduce.

The rise of e-bikes and e-scooters has made commuting more convenient, but these lithium-ion-powered devices can pose unexpected risks when brought into businesses. Employees or customers may park them indoors, sometimes charging them in office spaces, breakrooms or near flammable materials without realizing the potential danger.

Though rare, fires from lithium-ion batteries have increased in numbers in recent years as the device’s popularity has grown.

A database of global lithium-ion battery incidents kept by UL Solutions, the global safety, inspection and certification organization, recorded 2,262 fires in 2023, an increase of 303% since it began tracking them in 2018. Battery fires also caused 773 injuries and 132 deaths, according to the database, which combs news articles for mention of incidents from around the world.

Among the biggest problems fueling the rash of fires is a seemingly endless supply of batteries that haven’t been safety tested and certified by an accredited testing laboratory, like UL.

🚨 Hidden Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Despite their advantages, lithium-ion batteries present several hazards that businesses must address. One of the most significant risks is thermal runaway—a chain reaction that occurs when a battery overheats, potentially leading to a fire or explosion. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), battery-related fires have been rising in commercial settings, highlighting the importance of proper battery management.

When a battery is in use or charging, lithium ions pass between the anode and cathode—the negatively and positively charged parts of the battery—to generate a flow of electrons. All this energy can cause the cells inside the battery to heat up. Should faults occur in the cell, either due to internal failure or external conditions, they can enter into an uncontrollable state called thermal runaway.

It’s this phenomenon that makes a failure of a lithium-ion battery so dangerous, allowing fires to occur with little warning, according to Skip Donnell, a risk control professional at ERIE.

“When a fire starts, room temperatures can go from ambient to 1,300 degrees in just 60 seconds,” he said. “The fires themselves pose a unique problem because they can reignite, and there really isn’t any fire extinguisher designed to control them.”

Other key risks include:

Battery degradation: Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose their capacity, which can result in swelling, leakage or combustion.
Improper charging habits: Overcharging or using the wrong type of charger can increase the likelihood of overheating and shorten battery lifespan.
Storage dangers: Storing damaged or defective batteries alongside functional ones can create a fire hazard.
Environmental impact: Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries can lead to toxic waste contamination, making it crucial to follow proper recycling protocols.

💡Tip: Never store batteries in direct sunlight or in high-temperature environments, as excessive heat can accelerate degradation and increase the risk of failure.

Best Practices for Safe Battery Use in Businesses

To minimize these risks, businesses should consider adopting stringent battery management policies. Proper storage and handling are critical—batteries should be kept in a cool, dry area away from combustible materials. Companies should also establish designated charging stations equipped with manufacturer-approved chargers to ensure safe operation.

✅ Key Safety Measures:

Store batteries properly: Keep them in temperature-controlled environments and away from flammable objects.
Inspect batteries regularly: Look for swelling, leaks or other signs of wear and remove damaged batteries from use.
Train employees on battery safety: Ensure staff understands how to charge, store and dispose of batteries correctly.
Have a fire suppression plan: Install extinguishers rated for lithium-ion battery fires and train employees on emergency procedures.

💡Tip: Use fireproof storage containers for large battery packs to reduce fire risk in case of failure.

Insurance Protection for Battery-Related Incidents

Even with the best precautions, lithium-ion battery incidents can still occur. That’s why businesses must ensure their insurance coverage includes protection against battery-related damage. Many assume their standard policies are sufficient, but specific risks associated with battery fires or failures may not be covered.

Businesses should review their policies to confirm they include:

Property insurance to cover damages caused by battery fires or malfunctions.
Business interruption coverage to help recover lost revenue if operations are halted due to a battery-related incident.
Liability insurance to protect against claims in case a malfunctioning battery causes harm to customers or employees.
Workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries caused by battery-related accidents.

💡Tip: It’s essential to work closely with an insurance agent to ensure all risks are accounted for and that there are no gaps in coverage. Talk with a local Erie Insurance agent to help make sure your business is covered.

Posted on 6 March 2025 | 9:00 pm

How to Design a Top-Notch Employee Benefits Package

A well-designed employee benefits package is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Beyond salary, benefits like health care, retirement plans and paid time off play a major role in employee satisfaction and loyalty. But what makes a benefits package truly stand out? It’s about offering the right mix of coverage, flexibility and financial security.

From researching industry standards to gathering employee feedback and ensuring clear communication, these steps will help you design a package that meets both company goals and employee needs.

Here are five key strategies to create a benefits package that supports your employees and strengthens your business.

Do your research.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel if you are looking to create or improve your benefits package. There are ample resources to help you design the best fit for your employees. The Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) offers a how-to guide to designing a benefits package. Additionally, the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) offers a full guide to compensation and benefits that includes several examples of benefits packages as well as advice on the best way to explain benefits to employees.

Prioritize what employees want.

While creative benefits such as summer Fridays, onsite massages and unlimited snacks may grab headlines, it is the substantive benefits that employees truly value. Research has consistently shown that health care, including dental and vision coverage, as well as a retirement savings plan and life insurance, are top priorities.

As far as non-insurance benefits, a 2025 survey for The HR Digest found the top seven trends in employee benefits are:

Personalized benefits ecosystems: Employees are seeking personalized benefits, not one-size-fits-all packages.
Mental health support: From on-demand therapy to mental wellness stipends, employees want well-being strategies to balance work and life.
Financial wellness: While cryptocurrency-based benefits are seeing an uptick in interest, workplaces are going beyond traditional retirement plans by offering financial support such as student loan repayment assistance and emergency savings funds.
“Work-life integration” benefits: Employees continue to seek flexibility and autonomy, and companies are meeting these wants with unlimited paid time off options, work-from-anywhere stipends and caregiver support programs.
ESG-focused benefits: Employees—notably, younger workers—want environmental, social and governance efforts to be a focus of company priorities, including increased volunteer time off and subsidies for public transit.
Health and wellness: Driven by a holistic focus on well-being, employees can expect to see more preventive care incentives and telehealth offerings—including virtual fitness classes.
Diversity, equity and inclusion benefits: Trends in these benefits include family-building—adoption, surrogacy and fertility—and culturally sensitive medical needs for diverse populations.

Gather feedback.

A simple way to get a clearer idea of benefits that matter to your employees—ask them. Experts recommend surveying employees to find out what they prioritize. Be careful not to over-promise. Create a list of benefits that you know you can deliver on—but make it clear from the get-go that the package you create will focus on their top priorities and likely won’t include everything on the survey. It’s OK to ask if they have any ideas that aren’t included on your list, but, again, emphasize that ultimately you will need to make decisions based on what is realistic from a financial perspective.

Focus on clear communications.

The return on your investment for the money, time and effort that you put into creating a great benefits package won’t fully pay off if your employees don’t fully understand what they are getting. Research has shown that as many as 81% of employees said a company’s benefits package is a major determining factor in whether they accept a job offer. Look for innovative and consistent ways to engage your employees about the benefits you are offering. The Reward And Employee Benefits Association offers five tips on how to best communicate the full value of your benefits package.

Think about life insurance.

Life insurance can be an affordable and extremely valuable benefit for your employees. Life insurance can provide peace of mind and essential financial stability for an employee and their family at one of the most challenging times of their lives. A 2023 LIMRA study found that a record-high of nearly 40% of consumers planned to consider purchasing life insurance with higher numbers for Gen Z adults (44%) and Millennials (50%).

Lifeworks^SM from Erie Insurance makes it easy for small business owners to offer life insurance as a benefit to employees and at no additional cost to the employer.

Lifeworks is a voluntary life insurance benefit program designed for employers to collect premiums through payroll deduction and submit to Erie Family Life on behalf of the employee. There are two plans available, Whole Life Insurance and 20-year Convertible Term Life Insurance.

Talk to your local ERIE agent about how LifeWorks^SM can be a key part of a great employee benefits package.

Posted on 5 March 2025 | 9:00 pm

Spring Cleaning for Your Small Business: 7 Ways to Refresh and Refocus

Each year, 80% of Americans roll up their sleeves for spring cleaning, clearing out clutter and refreshing their spaces. But what about your business? Just like your home, your business can benefit from a seasonal refresh—no mop and bucket required.

Taking the time to tidy up your operations, streamline processes and review your goals can leave you feeling more focused, organized and prepared for growth.

Here are seven smart ways to spring clean your small business.

1. Refresh Your Marketing Strategy

When was the last time you took a hard look at how you’re promoting your business? Evaluate what’s working, what’s not and what opportunities you may be missing.

Are you maximizing social media to connect with customers?
Does your website need an update?
Would a customer loyalty program boost retention?

Now is a great time to refine your strategy, set new goals and implement fresh ideas to keep your brand top of mind.

2. Declutter Your Inbox

If your inbox count includes a comma, it’s time for an overhaul. A messy inbox can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress.

Here’s a quick way to clear the clutter in under an hour:

✅10 minutes – Delete junk emails and outdated notifications.
✅20 minutes – Create folders and labels to organize messages.
✅20 minutes – Respond to quick emails and flag those that need more attention.
✅10 minutes – Set up filters to sort incoming messages automatically.

📌 Inbox tip: Unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read to keep your inbox manageable.

3. Review Your Business Insurance

Your business is your livelihood—are you adequately protected? An unexpected event, from property damage to a liability claim, could be financially devastating.

Schedule an annual review of your business insurance policy with your ERIE agent to ensure:

✅ Your coverage reflects any business growth or changes.
✅ You have protection for new risks, for example, you may want to consider cyber¹ coverage in the event your business has a cyber incident.

✅ You have a plan in place to perpetuate your business if you retire or become unable to continue to run your business.¹

📌 Let’s talk: Find a local ERIE Insurance agent to review your coverage today.

4. Upgrade or Remove Old Equipment

Hanging on to an outdated printer or a stack of USB drives from 10 years ago? Old or unused equipment takes up space and slows down productivity.

Donate or recycle broken or outdated tech.
Invest in newer, more efficient equipment if needed.
Make sure devices are up-to-date with the latest software and security patches.

📌 Tech tip: If disposing of old hard drives or USBs, be sure to wipe them clean of sensitive information before recycling.

5. Organize Your Digital & Paper Files

Paper clutter and disorganized digital files can waste valuable time.

Shred or securely dispose of outdated paper documents.
Digitize important records and store them securely in cloud storage.
Organize shared digital folders with clear labels so your team can find what they need quickly.

📌 Compliance reminder: Keep track of business records that must be retained for legal reasons before purging.

6. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Practices

When was the last time you updated your passwords or backed up your data? Cyberthreats are always evolving, and your business should stay on top of it.

Use strong, unique passwords for business accounts.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Back up important data regularly.
Train employees on cybersecurity best practices.

📌 Stay protected: Read 7 Simple Steps You Can Do to Protect Your Business Data

7. Revisit Your Business Plan

A strong business plan isn’t just for startups—it should evolve with your company.

Have your customers’ needs changed?
Are you meeting your revenue goals?
Is it time to expand, pivot or refine your offerings?

Spring is a great time to assess where you are and where you want to go. If you don’t have a formal business plan, now is a perfect time to create one.

We’re Here for Every Step of Your Journey

Your business is your passion—let us help you safeguard what you’ve built. With personalized coverage, local agents and award-winning claims service, Erie Insurance is here to help you navigate your business needs.

Contact a local ERIE agent today.

Posted on 4 March 2025 | 9:00 pm

Cyber Insurance: Why Every Small Business Needs It

When you think about cyber threats, you might picture a large corporation battling a data breach, not a small construction firm, local brewery or veterinary clinic. But here’s the reality—cybercriminals don’t just go after the big guys. In fact, small businesses are often prime targets because they typically have fewer security resources.

If your business handles sensitive customer information, processes electronic payments or even just operates with email and a website, you’re at risk. That’s why cyber insurance is becoming a must-have for small businesses across all industries.

Why Cyber Threats Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think

A cyberattack isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a business issue.

With small businesses often seen as an easy target for cyberattacks, it’s no wonder business owners have a touch of anxiety when it comes to understanding how to protect data—from banking and payment processing to email and customer databases. In fact, 44 percent of small businesses have experienced a cyberattack, according to computer security software company McAfee.

The average paid claim for a small business cyberattack is $45,000.¹

Here are some examples of how the consequences can be costly and disruptive:

Financial loss – A cyber incident can lead to direct financial losses, from fraudulent wire transfers to ransom payments.

Business interruption – If a hack shuts down your website or software, you could lose days (or weeks) of income.

Legal and compliance issues – A data breach could mean fines or legal trouble if you’re handling customer data.

Reputation damage – Trust is everything. A breach could cause customers to take their business elsewhere.

Who Needs Cyber Insurance? (Hint: Probably Your Business!)

You don’t have to be an online retailer or tech company to need cyber protection. Here’s how cyber risks could impact different types of small businesses:

Construction contractors: You store customer payment details, project contracts and employee records digitally. A hacker could steal sensitive data or lock you out of your systems.

Breweries and restaurants: If you take online orders or run a customer loyalty program, a data breach could expose customers’ personal and financial information.

Veterinarian offices: Your clinic stores pet medical records, owner payment details and appointment schedules—making you a target for ransomware attacks.

Religious organizations and nonprofit groups: Many religious organizations and nonprofit groups collect donations online or store member records. A breach could compromise financial data and personal information.

Small retail shops and service businesses: If you accept credit card payments, have an online booking system or store customer data, you’re at risk.

What Cyber Insurance Covers

Cyber insurance is designed to help businesses recover quickly from an attack or data breach. Cyber insurance can cover:

✅ Legal and notification costs if customer or employee data is compromised

✅ Financial loss due to fraud or cyber extortion (ransomware attacks)

✅ Data recovery and IT forensics to identify and fix the issue

Protect Your Business Before It’s Too Late

Cyber threats aren’t going away. In fact, they’re increasing, and small businesses are becoming a top target. No matter your industry, if you rely on technology—even just email and a website—cyber insurance can help safeguard your business.

Don’t wait until a cyberattack disrupts your operations. Learn more and get started today to protect your business.

Posted on 2 March 2025 | 9:00 pm